The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team has undergone a complete transformation this offseason. From bringing in Ben McCollum as the new head coach to overhauling the roster with help from the transfer portal, the Hawkeyes have revamped just about everything.

The change has fans bubbling with anticipation and excitement for what could be in store after a couple of seasons that left many feeling underwhelmed. That excitement stems from a roster carrying some of the top transfer portal talent who also happen to be viewed as ideal fits for the Hawkeyes.

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ESPN included a trio of Hawkeyes’ transfers in their top transfer portal rankings ahead of the 2025-26 college basketball season.

2. Bennett Stirtz, 6-4, PG, Jr.

Transferring from Drake to Iowa

Outlook with Iowa: Stirtz should be a seamless fit at Iowa, given he has played under McCollum at both Northwest Missouri State and Drake. He’s allowed plenty of freedom in McCollum’s half-court offense, and while he’ll be going against more size and athleticism on a consistent basis in the Big Ten than in the Missouri Valley, McCollum’s offense will get Stirtz in his spots. – Jeff Borzello, ESPN

Bennett Stirtz is one of the most high-profile and most talented transfers in the entire country. His presence for Iowa will be a calming force with the ball and an on-court coach who knows Ben McCollum’s system like the back of his hand.

54. Alvaro Folgueiras, 6-9, PF, Soph.

Transferring from Robert Morris to Iowa

Outlook with Iowa: Using his teams at Drake and Northwest Missouri State as models, Ben McCollum wants to surround Bennett Stirtz with floor-spacers and shooters at three of the other positions. Iowa targeted Folgueiras early. His size, position and ability to shoot and pass make him a fit. – Jeff Borzello, ESPN

Alvaro Folguerias is a bit-time add for Iowa who can provide size and stretch a defense. With the departures of Owen Freeman and Josh Dix, both to Creighton, Iowa needed to reload with size, and Folgueiras gives them that instantly.

89. Brendan Hausen, 6-4, SG, Jr.

Transferring from Kansas State to Iowa

Outlook with Iowa: One of the better portal fits all spring, Hausen landing with a program that will allow him to spot up and make catch-and-shoot 3s is ideal. Ben McCollum will put the ball in Bennett Stirtz‘s hands, run his offense using dozens of on-ball and off-ball screens, and Stirtz will either score himself or find shooters like Hausen. – Jeff Borzello, ESPN

With Stirtz being able to take the ball to the hoop, Iowa needs shooters outside. That has been one staple of Iowa over the last decade that fans won’t see leaving. Hausen is a pure shooter who has hovered around the 40% mark from 3-point range his entire collegiate career at Villanova and Kansas State.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: ESPN tabs Iowa basketball trio among top 100 transfer rankings